Four Drum Majors, Positivity, and the Internet

Yes, this year I decided to go with four drum majors. Why? Well because the band is huge, for one thing. And because next year's show has four songs, for another. And we need more drill techs at camp, for another, and that is what the drum majors do at camp, they help teach the drill on the field. As a director, I have spent many hours choosing this leadership team. I stand by them completely. This is an incredible team of people who will be great! Remember, by criticizing my choices you are criticizing the band leadership team as well. People who negatively react to the team are negatively reacting to human beings who are in those positions. Criticize me all you want, I can take it, just be careful not to hurt anyone's feelings who actually have been awarded these positions. They are our teammates. Negativity is not what we are about here at Roslyn, we are a positive group of people. Of course, it is natural for people to be upset that they or their friends did not get the captain and officer positions. I totally understand that and wish everyone could be a captain. Unfortunately there are only so many positions. As we get to the National Class these positions will become even more powerful. Once again, please remember that these people are on our team. Let's have positive interactions. As always, I will talk to any of you at any time I am free to discuss my selections and rationale. Please remember as well, anything you write on the internet (as is the case with this blog and my website) can be printed out anywhere. Only post things online that you would be proud to have seen by anyone, because it probably will be.

A Sight to Behold!

One of the most incredible things happened today. Let me tell you this story!

Two years ago, prior to my second year at Roslyn, I devised a long term planning grid with the band. Keeping the integrity of the one night rehearsal due to academic demands at Roslyn, we went ahead with our plan. I used the Orchard Park band as a model for building excellence. They started in the novice class in 1987 and built up one of the top bands in the National Class in 17 years. Using their history as a template, I showed the students in detail how they could set long term and short term goals to build something. On Sunday night, Orchard Park won the National Class. They dethroned the West Genesee and Arlington shared dynasty. Today I dusted off that old plan I set in place two years ago. The Junior and Senior classes in the band remembered it vividly. The interesting thing is, and this is why I am writing to you, when I hung it up today outside the bandroom the kids crowded around it like it was their SAT scores. I couldn't clear the crowd! Students started figuring out how our band might get to that goal and reach it even earlier than Orchard Park. I was totally amazed at how a group of kids, who will be long gone when these goals are achieved, attached themselves emotionally to this plan. They saw the "Big Picture." I flew home in my car today, knowing that the "Big Goal," something they won't be here to experience, excited and made Roslyn seem even more special to them. Isn't this what its all about. Getting a group of people excited and attached to a long term goal invigorated me as an educator. I felt humbled by their enthusiasm. It was a sight to behold!

It really isn't about "band" at all. It's about achieving an incredibly difficult goal before you ever achieve it. They won 7th out of 7 in their class, but through vision, they have already won. They will win the National Class, they know it. They are part of this school and it will be a huge part of them forever.

They made my day!

Dome Wrap Up!

The Roslyn Band today continued it's move to the big time. Today, at 10:30am, the band did the most powerful, incredible, and precise performance of any Roslyn band. Today, the band rose higher into the big time. The energy was phenomenal. Today, the band was the talk of the dome. Today, the band became a professional band with concentration, focus, and energy. We peaked, big time, wow. I am so proud of how the band did. That was clearly a "Championship" performance. Let's face it. Unfortunately, the judges didn't agree and that's ok. They have a right to their opinions, we have to respect that, because.......you've heard me say it before. They will soon crown us champions. We will run through these classes in a record time period. We have already started.

I just happened to stumble onto this very interesting file on my computer. Two years ago, prior to the 2005 season we set these goals. I talked about it to the entire band and hung this up in the bandroom. I showed everyone in the band where we are going. LOOK! We are totally on track. Check it out! And remember, all the Band members are involved in this, from the Roslyn alumni band members, to the kids now in pre-k who will be that national band. Every one of us are involved. Let's be proud of our amazing accomplishments!

2002 - 6th out of 6, SS3, 1st year
2003 - 11th out of 11, SS3 , 2nd year, 1st year with a guard
2004 - 8th our of 10, SS3, 3rd year
2005 - Upper 3 SS3
2006 - Upper 3 SS3
2007 - Win SS3
2008 - Move to SS2
2009 - Middle SS2
2010 - Win SS2
2011 - Move to SS1
2012 - Middle SS1
2013 - Middle SS1
2014 - Upper 3 of SS1
2015 - Win SS1
2016 - Move to National, first LI National Band (well, Copiague beat us here)
2017 - National
2018 - National
2019 - National

Goals are crucial to our existence. We are setting and achieving them. There are setbacks, speedbumps, and detours. We are totally on track to building that "dynasty." Let's be proud and realize where we have come from.

Today was FUN! It's fun to be great! It's fun to win! Today, we will have to settle for one out of the two. Next year we're gonna "Take It." Yes!

Oh, by the way, today was no speedbump, it was a pinnacle!